Proof that you don't need an expensive HOTAS to fly a DCS Huey

[Raven_Morpheus]

Hey all

 

I've probably mentioned this before, but I thought I'd post again about it, as it always astounds me...

 

I've recently considered upgrading from a Saitek X52 Pro to either a Saitek X55 Rhino or a Thrustmaster Warthog (preferred), however I have in the past tried using a PS3 controller on my PC (using MotionInJoy and Better DS3), so tonight as I couldn't be bothered setting up my X52 I thought I'd give the pad a go.

 

Here's my results, a short hover test in the Huey, then a short flight and coming back in for landing:

 

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Not perfect by any means, I was way off the runway for a start, but I seem to be able to hover far better with the pad than I do my X52 Pro and I'm just as good (or bad whichever you want) at normal forward flight/descent, in fact I found it easier to descend using my PS3 pad's D-Pad for the collective than I do using the X52 Pro throttle!

 

So, surely I'm wasting money by buying a HOTAS?

[Tim_Fragmagnet]

I don't even have a controller, I just fly the huey with the keyboard.

[1.JaVA_Platypus]

WOW. thanks for the vid. It is awesome!

 

I really do think that for the perfect flying/hovering you'll need a joystick. But this is very impressive if you did it with some kind of gamepad. :)

[zaelu]

Next is to replace Huey 3D model with a container 3D model.

[Frusheen]

Hey all

 

I've probably mentioned this before, but I thought I'd post again about it, as it always astounds me...

 

I've recently considered upgrading from a Saitek X52 Pro to either a Saitek X55 Rhino or a Thrustmaster Warthog (preferred), however I have in the past tried using a PS3 controller on my PC (using MotionInJoy and Better DS3), so tonight as I couldn't be bothered setting up my X52 I thought I'd give the pad a go.

 

Here's my results, a short hover test in the Huey, then a short flight and coming back in for landing:

 

 

Not perfect by any means, I was way off the runway for a start, but I seem to be able to hover far better with the pad than I do my X52 Pro and I'm just as good (or bad whichever you want) at normal forward flight/descent, in fact I found it easier to descend using my PS3 pad's D-Pad for the collective than I do using the X52 Pro throttle!

 

So, surely I'm wasting money by buying a HOTAS?

 

A traditional hotas is a complete waste of money for flying helicopters. If you want helicopter controls then look at Komodo Simulations etc. A helicopter cyclic has no spring so a TM warthog will be very unrealistic. If you want a new hotas for fixed wing planes then that's a different story.

Edited February 29, 2016 by Frusheen

[Raven_Morpheus]

I don't even have a controller, I just fly the huey with the keyboard.

 

Funnily enough I've tried that also. Although I don't find that as easy as with a HOTAS or a gamepad.

 

A traditional hotas is a complete waste of money for flying helicopters. If you want helicopter controls then look at Komodo Simulations etc. A helicopter cyclic has no spring so a TM warthog will be very unrealistic. If you want a new hotas for fixed wing planes then that's a different story.

 

I've had a look at Komodo sims stuff, and if I can fly fine with a gamepad I can't see that I can justify the expense for Komodo sims stuff (I worked out it's about £1500 for fulll helicopter HOTAS!!) and I can't say I'd fly any better seeing as I'm equally as good with a pad as I am my current X52 Pro.

 

£1500 vs =<£30 for a PS3 gamepad?

 

I dunno though, I'm going to see if I can rescue Stray Eagle using my pad, traditionally I've had problems with the X52 Pro when making the ascent up the side of the hill he's on and then descending to land near the smoke - I want to see how using my gamepad fairs in comparison. Maybe I just had a very good night last night in a virtually empty Huey.

[Frusheen]

Funnily enough I've tried that also. Although I don't find that as easy as with a HOTAS or a gamepad.

 

 

 

I've had a look at Komodo sims stuff, and if I can fly fine with a gamepad I can't see that I can justify the expense for Komodo sims stuff (I worked out it's about £1500 for fulll helicopter HOTAS!!) and I can't say I'd fly any better seeing as I'm equally as good with a pad as I am my current X52 Pro.

 

£1500 vs =<£30 for a PS3 gamepad?

 

I dunno though, I'm going to see if I can rescue Stray Eagle using my pad, traditionally I've had problems with the X52 Pro when making the ascent up the side of the hill he's on and then descending to land near the smoke - I want to see how using my gamepad fairs in comparison. Maybe I just had a very good night last night in a virtually empty Huey.

 

I agree with you. There isn't a huge difference between flying a helicopter with a game pad versus a traditional spring hotas. With practice you likely won't see much difference as they are both equally lacking compared to proper helicopter controls. It depends what you want from the experience, how precise you want to fly and of course your budget. I'm of the opinion that purchasing the likes of a thrustmaster hotas or x55 is a waste of money IF you want it for flying helicopters. They are good tools but the wrong tools for the job ;-)

 

The same is true for a monitor vs a VR headset. With a monitor the helicopter cockpit remains static while the the view outside changes. In real life to hover you fix your view to a static point outside the cockpit in the middle to far distance and it's the helicopter which moves relative to that view (VR allows you to do this). Yet again more outlay in the pursuit of realistic simulation and again depends on budget.

 

It largely depends what you hope to achieve. If it's increased precision then a more expensive 'traditional' joystick isn't the best answer.

 

 

As a side note I think your video also demonstrated one of the short comings of the Huey flight model. Drift follows pitch as seen in your video. If you watch real helicopter footage it's the reverse. The helicopter drifts first with pitch following afterwards. You would never see a helicopter behave in real life like shown in your video. Perhaps the pitchiness was deliberate to provide feedback for the user based on the limitations of using a monitor which I mentioned earlier.

 

EDIT: I'm not trying to come across as snobbish. There are alternative cheaper options to the Komodo sim stuff which WILL be better than the most expensive HOTAS. I mentioned Komodo as they are the best I have used.

 

Here is a video I did as a joke following a challenge set down by one of the group members on Facebook. I think it illustrates how precise helicopter controls help with control. I don't think I could have flown like this with a warthog or a gamepad. Of course it costs a hell of a lot more money!

 

Edited February 29, 2016 by Frusheen

[Raven_Morpheus]

Some good flying there.

 

I still maintain, that I don't need a new HOTAS, certainly not one as expensive as Komodsim's or other companies products.

 

I did another test flight today though, inspired by your video, my rudder axis seems a little twitchy so I might switch that to the left stick rather than the triggers on the gamepad but I also started using (again) my Leo Bodnar board with 3 10 turn pots on it to use one as the collective - works miles better than anything else I've got for the collective. Just wish I could turn it into a proper short handled (12" long would be ideal) collective stick...

 

Anyhow here's the video, ignore the startup, 1st takeoff, and 1st bad landing (as per the video description) and pretty much anything other than my hovering attempt, nowhere near as good as your flying but I'm a relative noob anyway and I was just seeing what I could do, I'm also aware I'd likely have crashed due to the lighting posts to my left and right if they were collidable -

 

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[/ame] Edited March 10, 2016 by Raven_Morpheus

[TomOnSteam]

You certainly don't need an expensive set up to enjoy yourself that's for sure. But the flying smoothness between the komodosim video and ps3 controller is like night and day. It really highlights how much precision you need to fly a helicopter accurately and safely (and how good DCS flight model is!).

 

I'm not being rude, but if I got into a helicopter that fly the way the PS3 controller did, I would be asking to get out very quickly :) (I don't fly any better with a warthog ;) )

 

Of course if you're having fun, a gamepad certainly lets you get the job done, and you can't argue about the price! :)

 

 

There is also a lot to be said for immersion when you have realistic controls in your hands and feet, and when you've got a VR helmet on. Of course the cost is big, you need money, a loving wife and an extra room and maybe even extra PC! There is also something nice about the convenience of just picking up a gamepad and flying.

Edited March 11, 2016 by TomOnSteam